© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
1 Keping Sumatra
1219 (1804) year| Copper | 2.3 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Sumatra (British East Indies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1219 (1804) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Keping (1⁄400) |
| Currency | Dollar (1783-1824) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 2.3 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Thickness | 0.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#25032 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 26% |
Reverse
Arabic inscription with denomination at top and date at bottom using eastern Arabic numeral. Beads around border.
Script: Arabic
Lettering:
۱
سات کڤڠ
۱۲۱۹
Unabridged legend:
1
Satu keping
1219
Translation:
One keping
AH 1219
Edge
Plain
Comment
These coins were not official currency of any state. They were first issued in the early 1800s by British merchants at Singapore, to alleviate base coin shortage, before spreading to various parts of the Malay Archipelago. To circumvent confiscation attempts by colonial authorities (particularly the Dutch), British merchants use inscriptions that refer to locations that are vague, fictitious, or unaffiliated to Europeans. In this manner, legally it could not be argued that the tokens were intended for circulation in colonial territories.See Singh (1986:445-449) for details.
Interesting fact
The A Token 1 Keping (Sumatra) 1219 (1804) coin from Sumatra (British East Indies) made of Copper weighing 2.3 g is interesting because it is a rare example of a local currency used in the British East Indies during the 19th century. The coin was issued during the administration of the British East India Company, which had a significant presence in the region at that time. The use of local currencies like the A Token 1 Keping helped to facilitate trade and commerce in the region, and it is a unique piece of history that provides insight into the economic and cultural practices of the time.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1219 (1804) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 1 Keping (Sumatra) 1219 (1804) coin.
